Finding a new job: what you need to know

Chances are, if you're reading this you must be on the hunt for a new job. Sadly in today's environment of recession, increasing unemployment and companies losing staff at an alarming rate, the likelihood of leaving one job and strolling straight into another is slim. But there are ways to increase your chances of securing that all-important new career. Below, we highlight some essential tips to put you ahead of the competition.

Start your search early.
The earlier the better. If you get yourself out there first, you’re competing with less people. If you wait until redundancies are all over the place and the unemployment numbers are jumping up, then it’s too late: you’re in the same boat as everyone else. If you know you might be in trouble soon, start looking now.

Networking is important.
Networking can sometimes be the quickest way to a new job. And when jobs are few and far between, this is even more applicable. In many cases, the best chance you have at getting your foot in the door of a place you really want to work is by knowing someone who already works there and can let you know if and when positions become available.

Keep in touch with contacts.
If you’re currently still employed, get together a contact list while you can still get hold of that information. Remember, you want to enlist the help of anyone you know when you’re in the middle of a job search, but the best prospects by far, are people in your industry. Know who they are and make sure they don’t forget you.

Learn to accept rejection.
As hard as this is to do sometimes, you need to have a non-defeatist attitude about rejection. It’s not always about you. Sometimes it’s just a matter of time and luck. Try, and then try again. And again. And again.

Be prepared to lower your expectations.
Sometimes, your ideal career just isn’t available. You may have to take what you can get, even if it’s a step down. It’s better to have an average job now so you still have a source of income and you’re still gaining experience. This is much preferable to holding out for your dream job for months or even years. The opportunities will be there again soon, and when they are, you can land the dream job then.

For more career advice, and a range of fantastic job opportunities overseas, check out the Acorn Global website.

Helen Lock

Mining Geologists: what do they do?

Our second post on careers within the mining sector looks at the role of a Mining Geologist. Playing an important role throughout the entire life cycle of a mining project, mining geologists use their technical knowledge and project management skills to make sure mining operations are carried out in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner.

A mining geologist applies the science of structure, composition, and the physical properties of the world we live in to mining. Their main responsibility is to ensure that minerals and other similar materials are extracted from mines and quarries in a way that results in maximum profit and involves minimal problems.

Before any mining project can begin however, the materials need to be located. Using tools such as aerial photographs, field maps, and geophysical surveys, a mining geologist determines where valuable materials are and estimates how many of those materials are in that location. They also determine the life span of the mining project and determine how profitable it is likely to be, by accessing the grade and structure of the materials.

Mining geologists also map the area where they believe valuable minerals are. They record and compile geological data so that the mining engineer has accurate details of the location, structure, and distribution of minerals in a certain location. Additionally, they must make computer models of the mine, quarry, or pit that they can share with the mining engineer. Together, the two find the best approach for establishing the work environment and extracting the valuable materials. These responsibilities make mining geologists indispensable, as without them, mining companies would not know where to dig, how deep to dig, or when to stop digging.

One of the most important aspects of a mining geologist's job is to provide advice on how to keep the mining environment safe. They do this by identifying dangers such as rock faults, ground water or conditions that could result in uncontrolled explosions. Workers lives and the mining company’s assets depend on the identification of these dangers.

As an entry-level mining engineer, your salary is likely to range between £21,000 and £27,000 per annum. However, with a few years’ experience this can increase to around £46,000 a year. Senior mining engineers with project management responsibilities can earn up to £70,000 and beyond.

If the sound of becoming a mining geologist appeals to you, or you simply want to know more about the types of jobs involved in the mining industry, have a look at the Acorn Global website for more.

Helen Lock

Mining Engineers: what do they do?

Over the past 12 months, you will probably have heard in the news about the 'boom' in the mining industry, especially in Australia. There is a buzz around the topic, and for good reason: with the current global recession, any industry showing such an increase in profits and jobs is a valuable commodity.  

All this is fantastic news obviously, but if you've been hearing these stories and are interested in moving into the mining sector, you may be clueless as to what the job actually involves. There's more to mining than one type of career however, so over several blog posts we will highlight different jobs that could lead you into your ideal career. First up: mining engineers.

A mining engineer ensures the safe and economically sound development of mines and other underground operations. The role combines an understanding of the effects of these structures on their surrounding environment, technical knowledge and management skills, and the person carrying out this role often has a background in geology, as well as civil, mechanical and electrical engineering.

Mining engineers are involved at all stages of a project and are expected to supervise all phases of mining and take responsibility for the management of it. Before a new site is developed, they assess its viability and assist with planning the mine’s structure. They are also involved in the final closure and rehabilitation process of the mine site.

Mining engineers work with geological and metallurgical engineers to find and approve new ore deposits. They also develop new equipment or processes for mining and try to improve working conditions.

There are opportunities in the UK in this career path, but due to the nature of the industry, mining engineering is an international career and the majority of opportunities are overseas.

Starting salaries for mining engineers vary between £20,000 and £25,000, but with five years' experience, salaries can increase to around £45,000 plus.

Salaries at senior level (e.g. after 10-15 years in the role) range between £50,000 and £65,000. Moving abroad to work brings a further increase in salary, with added benefits such as pension schemes, flights and visas.

Hours of work tend to be long, particularly if you are based overseas. Mining engineers working overseas are likely to be on site for up to three months, followed by a period of two weeks' leave, which they can spend elsewhere.

Positives
- Plenty of job opportunities

- Variety of tasks and areas to choose from: no two days are the same 
- Excellent benefits, such as housing and visas provided, as well as good pension schemes 
- fantastic salaries 

- Chance to move to an exciting new location

- There's a strong sense of community and bonding given close working conditions.

- There are long periods off, creating opportunities to pursue other interests.

- There are opportunities for training and growth depending on the field of expertise.

Negatives
- There are safety risks involved, especially working underground 
- The hours can be long; 12 hour shifts are normal 

- Working overseas in this role may lead to periods of personal isolation. However, it also offers exposure to a variety of different cultures and communities, which can be a rewarding experience

- No long-term job security. When it's over, it's over.

If the idea of working in the mining industry appeals to you, or you are a mining engineer looking for a new challenge, check out the Acorn Global website for some fantastic job opportunities.

Helen Lock